Shida Leni broke her own national record with an impressive 51.25s in the women’s 400m at Kasarani Stadium.
However, one would easily ask who is this speed star and below is a brief profile about her.
- Name: Shida Leni
- Nationality: Uganda
Shida Leni’s story is one of speed, strength, and quiet determination. Born on May 22, 1994, in Arua, Uganda, she grew up under the care of her father, Abdulatif Tiyua, a retired military officer. But it wasn’t the sound of marching boots that captured her heart—it was the rhythm of running feet.
Her journey on the track began to take shape in August 2013, when she came under the wing of coaches Kevin and Sue O’Connor. With their guidance, Shida quickly rose from a young talent to a national star.
Just a year later, she made her international debut at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, reaching the semifinals in the 400 meters.
Since then, Shida has continued to redefine what’s possible in Ugandan athletics. In 2018, she broke a 12-year-old national record with a time of 52.47 seconds.
She wasn’t done yet. In 2019, she clocked a personal best of 51.47 seconds and in 2024, she surpassed even that, running a blazing 51.25 seconds at Kasarani Stadium.
Each time she steps onto the track, she pushes her limits and the national record just a little further.
Shida’s talent has taken her far beyond Uganda’s borders. She earned a silver medal at the 2019 World University Games in Naples, Italy, and competed on the global stage at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
